Asylum Road have today released their new EP titled ‘Cerca Trova’ as well as their new single ‘Death Starts’, both via SODEH Records. ‘Cerca Trova’ by Asylum Road is the kind of EP that immediately feels deliberate and self-assured. From the opening moments, there’s a clear sense that this isn’t a band still searching for its sound—they’ve already found a lane and are driving it with confidence. The production has a raw clarity to it, striking a balance between grit and polish that gives the songs both edge and accessibility. Nothing feels wasted or overindulgent; every section serves a purpose.
One of the standout elements across the EP is the band’s ability to build atmosphere without losing momentum. Tracks like “Death Starts” carry a weight that feels both emotional and kinetic, blending driving instrumentation with a darker tonal undercurrent. The guitars hit with purpose, the rhythm section keeps everything grounded, and the vocals sit right in the pocket—never overpowering, but always commanding attention. It creates a sound that feels immersive without becoming overwhelming.
There’s also a strong sense of dynamics at play. The band knows when to pull back and when to push forward, allowing tension to build naturally before releasing it in satisfying ways. That push-and-pull keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. It’s not just about volume or intensity—it’s about control, and Asylum Road shows a surprising level of maturity in how they shape each track.
Overall, ‘Cerca Trova’ comes across as a confident and cohesive statement. It feels like a project made by a band that understands both its strengths and its direction, delivering something that’s memorable without trying too hard to be flashy. If this EP is any indication, Asylum Road is laying a solid foundation for something bigger, and they’re absolutely worth keeping an eye on.
About Asylum Road
Blending the aggressive punch of groove metal with intricate melodies and a powerful emotional core, the band has been praised for “their powerful blend of heavy riffs, intricate rhythms, and visceral vocals”. Their 2024 debut EP, ‘The Fear’, “established them as a force to be reckoned with, earning them critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase”.
Modern groove-metal outfit Asylum Road follow up their global smashes ‘Mask Of Oblivion’ and ‘Cut To The Bone’ which both picked up positive airplay and industry feedback, with their hard-hitting new single, ‘Death Starts’, delivering a dark, thought-provoking track that confronts humanity’s long history of conflict and the beliefs that fuel it.
Blending the band’s signature heavy sound with stark lyrical themes, ‘Death Starts’ explores the idea that humanity’s relationship with religion, mortality, and redemption has shaped both our worldview and our violence toward one another.
Frontman Darryn McCartney explains:
“Death Starts is effectively about the impact that we, as a species, have on one another and the world around us. We continue to use religion as a vehicle to wage wars and conflicts.”
The song examines the paradox embedded in many belief systems – the idea that death is merely a gateway to eternal life.
“We’ve been conditioned to believe that from an early age: when we die, we get eternal life. So since birth we’ve been told death starts with life, and life – eternal life – starts with death.”
According to McCartney, this belief can sometimes create a dangerous sense of moral immunity.
“That belief – and an extremist one at that – can give people a kind of hubris, the idea that no matter what they’ve done, they’ll be redeemed when they die and get to live forever.”
“With ‘Death Starts’, Asylum Road continue to push both musically and thematically, pairing crushing riffs with philosophical and socially reflective lyrics.”
‘Cerca Trova’ is the latest EP from Irish Groove metal outfit Asylum Road, bringing together a run of singles released throughout 2025–2026 and concluding with the EP’s fourth track, ‘Death Starts’.
‘Mask Of Oblivion’, ‘Cerca Trova’ and ‘Cut To The Bone’ introduced a heavier, groove-driven sound and direct lyrical themes. The singles have accumulated over 100,000 combined streams and views across platforms, alongside airplay across stations including BBC Introducing, Total Rock Radio, Primordial Radio, and Hard Rock Hell Radio reflecting the band’s growing audience.
Released alongside the EP is ‘Death Starts’, the fourth track from the record. The song explores how belief systems – particularly ideas about redemption and the afterlife – can influence human behavior and conflict, questioning the notion that actions in life can be justified by the promise of forgiveness after death.
Musically, ‘Cerca Trova’ captures Asylum Road’s evolving sound: groove-driven modern metal built around heavy riffs, dynamic arrangements, and direct song-writing. With strong streaming numbers, positive media coverage, and growing radio support, the EP marks another step forward for the Derry-based band as they continue to build momentum on stage and online.
LINKS:
https://www.instagram.com/asylum_road/
https://www.facebook.com/asylumroadband/